Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Hairy Bittercress Plant Care
Cardamine occulta Hornem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily identified by its delicate, lobed leaves that form a rosette. Originating from Japan, Cardamine occulta is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to add a touch of whimsy to any garden or indoor space.
Every 3–7 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy Bittercress?
Water Hairy Bittercress every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Hairy Bittercress Native To?
What Is the Hairy Bittercress?
Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine occulta) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Cardamine genus. Hairy Bittercress is native to the Indian Subcontinent, China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, most of Malesia, and Japan.
Hairy Bittercress displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Hairy Bittercress produces small, delicate white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy Bittercress?
Cardamine occulta requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hairy Bittercress Need?
Hairy Bittercress thrives in partial shade to full shade. Avoid placing Hairy Bittercress in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy Bittercress Prefer?
Cardamine occulta grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Hairy Bittercress prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy Bittercress?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Bittercress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy Bittercress?
Feed Hairy Bittercress every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hairy Bittercress?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hairy Bittercress?
Hairy Bittercress can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine bittercress plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hairy Bittercress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy Bittercress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hairy Bittercress?
Hairy Bittercress is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Hairy Bittercress is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cardamine genus — compare its care with other Cardamine species on PlantoScan.
Cardamine is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Hairy Bittercress copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Cardamine Species
Other Cardamine species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cardamine occulta Hornem., family Brassicaceae (first published in Hort. Bot. Hafn. , Suppl.: 71 (1819)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy Bittercress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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